Search Results for “florals

Flower power: The must-have items you need right now!

As we eagerly anticipate warm weather, many of us are already hitting the shops to stock up on all of the latest clothes to see us through the summer. Now, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably spotted what’s going to be huge this season: florals. Not content with ruling the runway, they’ve invaded the high street too. Here are some of the items we won’t be without this season. Equipment Jungle Blouse The gorgeous print of this Equipment Jungle Blouse, available at Trilogy, is an ideal summer staple. Team with a pair of smart white city shorts, sharp-cut white blazer and barely-there heels for a cool androgynous look that’s perfect for the office. For an off-duty springtime outfit, wear with a pair of matte-look leggings, before swapping for a pair of classic denim shorts come summer. Equipment Signature Jungle Blouse, £340, Trilogy Missguided Roxiana Clutch Bag Looking for a subtle way to introduce this season’s florals into your wardrobe? The vibrant Roxiana clutch bag from Missguided could be just the answer. Adopting the bold prints that have ruled the catwalks this year, the bag oozes a stylish summer vibe. Wear with a white bodycon midi dress and a pair of complementary coloured heels for a look that’s perfect for a day at the races. Missguided Roxiana Clutch Bag, £14.99, Missguided Claire’s Flower Bun Garland With the flower bun garland from Claire’s, you can even incorporate fun and flirty florals into your hairstyle. Buns are a great practical summer look, perfect for days at the beach or glamorous evening events. This versatile bun garland is a simple and cost-effective way to add a feminine, on-trend touch to any look.

Read More

6 Wearable Spring & Summer 2014 Trends We’re Loving!

Pastels Possibly this season’s biggest trend that is being seen all over is Pastel colours which are featured throughout the Damart Spring and summer collection. From mints to sugary pinks and pale lemons, this candy palette has injected a burst of colour into Damart’s casual range. The footwear range has also been given the pastel treatment with our light weight casual shoes where we offer a variety of pastel colours e.g. Bow trim moccasin in pale pink, slip on canvas styles, Coussin D’air (our brand) strap shoes as well as some of the Cushion Walk styles. Safari Damart is right on trend with its Safari inspired products sitting amongst Style and Detail in its catalogue. Colours such as camel and khaki as well as animal prints have been introduced to the smart collection for a stylish look. Incorporating this trend into a smart collection makes these pieces not only on trend for the spring summer season but easily transferable into early autumn winter. Monochrome This classic trend seen in Autumn and Winter 2013 has been given a spring summer edit to create a wearable summer look, perfect for getaways in the sun. This shows through Damart’s holiday shop section where black and white prints have been teamed with t-shirts and straw accessories for a chic beach look as well as Damart’s smart section of the catalogue with its key statement piece such as the printed blazer and matching pencil skirt. Prints Prints feature throughout the Spring and Summer 2014 range in all sections of the book with Florals, Aztec, Geometric and classic Animal prints in both smart and casual pieces. Some of these key on trend pieces include the Floral Jacket which is easy to dress up or down, the Mock Wrap dress which is designed to flatter figures and […]

Read More

From London to Paris and Beyond: A Fashion Week Beauty Trend Report

It may be the dead of winter in most locations north of the Equator, but Fashion Week signals the beginning of spring for industry insiders and for fashion-savvy females everywhere. Held in New York City, Milan, London and Paris, Fashion Week provides top-level fashion houses and up-and-coming designers with the opportunity to show off their best efforts in anticipating the warmer temps to come. All across Europe as well as in the Big Apple, women eagerly mark Fashion Week on their calendars each year. Most of the looks on display on the runways during Fashion Week will never make it past couture shops catering to exclusive clienteles. Nonetheless, affordable interpretations of the most accessible pieces will make their way to certain online specialists that cater to women whose budgets may be limited but who nonetheless wish to maintain a sense of style. Some of the most anticipated trends for 2014 will be familiar to many; the classic look that never goes out of fashion is all the rage. Florals, of Course What is spring without flowers? An explosion of floral patterns will be everywhere, from flowing skirts to chic tops peeking out from beneath tailored blazers. Large, playful floral patterns will be found on dresses meant for garden parties and more casual occasions. More sedate florals will make their way to office-worthy separates. Even daytime weddings will be blessed with colorful blooms on bridesmaids’ dresses and sprinkled amongst frocks worn by guests. Solids that pick up one or more colors found among floral patterns are a cant-miss match for fashion-conscious but somewhat cautious women. Bolder females will mix and match florals and prints or florals and neutrals. To pull off this somewhat-daring look, at least one of the contrasting patterns should be somewhat more subdued to avoid overwhelming onlookers with […]

Read More

Preen Morgan forget-me-not print dress: Yay or Nay?

What’s an evening dress to be, if it’s not an LBD? Well, apart from being a classic turned on its head, said dress needs to elicit the same reaction when you arrive at the party, as a traditional evening look would. Making us feel like we could effortlessly betray the ease of a noir number is the Preen Morgan forget-me-not print dress (£938). Replacing embellishment with an evening-appropriate bloom, and packing in two of autumn/winter’s biggest trends: an off-the-shoulder neckline and fluted hem, the Morgan dress is a winner all round. So, are you swayed, or still unsure about ditching the trusty LBD for a look-at-me cocktail dress? Let our reasons for saying Yay and Nay to the Preen Morgan dress below help you seal the (dress) deal: Yay Great alternative: Warning: The Preen Morgan dress will make you stray from the sticking to evening wear rules. 3-in-1 Trend piece: Effortlessly packing winter florals, a fluted hemline and very now neckline into one nifty dress. Need we ask for more? Fit: The silhouette-skimming cut of this dress makes it the perfect candidate for complementing feminine curves. Nay Price: We can’t promise your pocket won’t be dealt a rough blow when it comes to forking out £938 for this beauty. But, a beauty it sure is! One-wear-then-despair: Yes, that dreaded wardrobe situation, where you discard of a dress after one outing? Could the Preen Morgan dress end up in that pile? Colour: We’re all for injecting a much needed dose of print and colour into our weary winter wardrobes, and the dark base colour of this dress has longevity. But, do consider the wear you’ll get out of this multi-hued dress before you’ve splashed the cash on it. Preen Morgan forget-me-not print dress, £938, available at Matches Fashion.

Read More

Highlights from the Mulberry spring/summer 2014 press day

Yesterday we headed to one of our favourite spots in Kensington – the Mulberry showroom – for the spring/summer 2014 press day! If we had left the MFL office earlier, we would have run straight into Kate Middleton selling poppies at the tube station! Never mind, eh?! We got up close and personal with the new ready-to-wear collection. It consisted of fun florals, luxurious textures, perfectly executed tailoring, bright colours juxtaposed with subtler hues, and much more. Our favourite pieces included a pink striped top and skirt, a white floral dress, and a bright orange dress – what can we say, we love a bit of colour! Now the best bit: the bags! It was all about the double sidedness as far as the bags this spring/summer 2013 season were concerned. That means you can wear a white clutch bag one day and flip it over and wear the black version the next. Or you can totally unzip them and give one to your best friend for an incredible colour coordinated outing… just make sure she gives it back at the end of the night. Probably easier said than done! It wasn’t just about the clutch bags though – all our old favourites also came with a double sided design too – two times the space and ten times the fun! The rest of the accessories didn’t let us down either – belts, scarves, purses – you name it, Mulberry is all over it! Another stunning collection that hasn’t disappointed. Here are more of our highlights from the new-season collection:

Read More

This Seasons Must Haves!

We love autumn. We love the new trends that come with a new season and most of all we love updating our wardrobes. Any excuse! Here’s our top fashion fix pieces to pick up before winter rears its ugly head! THE WRAP AROUND DRESS Made famous by DVF, over at Bonmarche in-house designer David Emmanuel gives us his take on the inspirational classic and it’s a beauty. A simple golden rule of dressing well is to know your own shape and work with it, not against it. As the wonderful Gok Wan has proved to millions of ladies, there are lots of tricks to maximize your “good bits” and play down the less-so-pleasing. When it comes to looking good, it is not your actual size or shape that matters at all, it’s the cut and fit of the clothes you choose to complement your body proportions and colouring! In jewel block colours and various prints the erap around dress is flattering to just about any shape, which is why it’s a MUST in our wardrobe. The drape and softness of jersey is both snug as well as gently sculpting. With this dress falling around mid-calf, petite ladies might like to team with heels for work or a special occasion. THE PRINT DRESS Checks were much talked about in the upcoming autumn/winter collections and Bonmarche, as ever, are right on trend, with the David Emanuel Dogtooth print dress, another office or drinks party pleaser. This dress is sleeveless, so not ideal for anyone self-conscious about her arms. If you like to keep upper arms covered up, then the range of feminine lacy half sleeve tops is perfect for you. Team with metallic-stitch stretch style jeans for a casual smart combination. This will skim over the tummy area and create a fluid […]

Read More

Givenchy floral bomber jacket: Yay or Nay?

Give a veteran wardrobe piece a seasonal overhaul, and the style set are all over it like a rash. That’s what happened with autumn’s latest staple hit, the striking Givenchy floral felt wool bomber jacket, which pretty much left us scraping our jaws off the ground. Well, we know the starry celeb set is a fan; Carine Roitfeld fronted the autumn/winter 2013 Givenchy campaign, avec her perfect-faced daughter, and Kim Kardashian is a front row fixture, dripping in the luxury fashion house’s runway fresh pieces, and referring to creative designer Riccardo Tisco as ‘Ricky’ (all casual names, and stuff). So, putting the eye-popping bomber’s purchasing potential to the test, here’s our round up of the reasons why you should (and probably shouldn’t) buy the Givenchy floral bomber:  Yay Statement piece: If there ever were a head-turner, this blooming bomber (pardon the pun) would be it! The off-centre zip detail, multi-pink, green and black floral print and silver-tone hardware make this jacket a must-have piece for those who love an off-kilter feminine piece. Classic style jacket: The sportier sibling of the traditional biker jacket, you can’t beat a bomber jacket when it comes to stocking up on staples. The slightly curved hemline and relaxed fit bring a fresh appeal to this modern style essential. Day-to-night option: The heady print makes this Givenchy floral bomber jacket perfect for pairing with an all black ensemble for work, and heading straight out for cocktails when the clock stikes 5.30pm! Just don’t forget to slip into your best heels. Nay  Price: They don’t say fashion bleeds you dry without good reason! Ringing in at a piggy bank emptying £2,970, it’ll be beans on toast for supper every evening. Trend-centric: Although we were gagging to grab this bomber jacket the minute Tisci sent floral-drenched models down the runway earlier […]

Read More

Gwyneth Paltrow vs. Rose Byrne…Who wore Erdem better?

Ah, a floral ensemble we do love! Nothing beats the usual summery thrill associated with slipping into a sartorially acceptable bouquet, but this week’s fash off contenders make the case for winter florals all the more stronger. Sporting a same-but-different look from Erdem’s blooming floral-printed autumn/winter 2013 offerings, A-listers Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose Byrne took to appearing at red carpet events with the sole intention of turning quite a few heads. (naturally) First up, Gwyneth took to the Iron Man 3 Paris premiere red carpet, back in April, in the matching, sharp shouldered floral-printed top and trouser ensemble.  The lithe limbed Hollywood royal looked radiant, with straightened glossy locks and neutral makeup, allowing her flowery look to take centre stage. But looking equally bloomin’ gorgeous was I Give It A Year starlet, Rose Byrne, who attended a special screening of the film in New York in July, wearing the dress version of Gwyneth’s look. The pretty frock features black chiffon inserts and chiffon overlay on the skirt, which suitably amps up the darker mood of her look to perfection. Pointed pumps, soft curls and nude make-up rounded off Rose’s look nicely. Although it’s a tough one, as the different takes on the same base print are equally desirable, there can only be one winner. And this week, we’re crowning…*drum roll, please*…Rose Byrne our fash-off champion, because we love the moody edge her otherwise twee dress exudes. Gwyneth’s look is striking, too, but a bit too much to take in at once. Do you agree with our verdict? Whose look do you like?

Read More

10 must-have pieces for autumn you can shop right now!

It may concern you that at the tail-end of July we want to discuss all things autumnal and chill-blocking, but fellow fashion girls, you know you’ve gotta plan ahead! With freshly arrived pre-fall wares waiting with your name on them, and being the (sartorially) impatient lot we are, its only fair we round up the ten must-have pieces you can shop right now, to be one step ahead for the new season. Although we’re in no hurry to wave goodbye to heat wave temperatures, the prospect of wrapping up in cosy knits; wearing smarter-than-your-boyfriend coats and sporting prints we never want to take off is getting us excited. Check out our must-have pieces to kick-start your autumn shopping, and let your credit card do the rest! 1. Hitting two major autumn/winter 2013 trends with one stylish swipe: the mannish coat silhouette, and a luxe, shearling trim, this coat is the must-have investment for the new season. Cédric Charlier grey shearling collar coat, £1,380, available at Avenue 32 2. Biker jackets have more bite for next season, and we can’t get enough of this firebrick-red wool one. Maison Martin Margiela wool biker jacket, £715, available at Matches Fashion 3. When new season punk met the sensible Oxford shoe, this happened: Studded Oxford shoes, £89.99, available at Mango 4. Thanks to Matthew Williamson, Valentino and Mulberry, it’s all bloom, not doom and gloom, as winter florals reign supreme for the colder months ahead. Preen poppy red stretch cotton blaise pencil dress, £687, available at My Wardrobe 5. For the new season, the statement sweater becomes ever more desirable with a smattering of sequins. Markus Lupfer sequin fox jumper, £310, available at Harrods 6. Make your new season bag work double time, with this office-and-off-duty tote rolled into one. Joyce leather tote bag, £285, available at Reiss 7. Put […]

Read More

Steep vs. Cheap: Floral-print pencil skirt

Douse a boardroom staple in a statement floral-print and next season’s hottest hue, and what do you have? A printed pencil skirt that screams “wear me now”, that’s what! And lusting after pencil skirts we are, as this week’s (price) tag-off is setting a new record for our love of prints! Having graduated from elementary, ditsy florals, it’s all about the hyper print: large, romantic florals swept into a painterly or digi-print haze, and we can’t stop ogling this week’s Steep vs. Cheap options. In at the droolworthy designer end, the floral-print twill pencil skirt from ever-romantics Dolce & Gabbana is a hard-hitter when it comes to clocking up style brownie points. Perfect for punctuating your work uniform with an uplifting shot of print, and equally as fabulous for a night out, heads will turn in this form-fitting pencil number! But cashing in at £522, don’t complain if your purse feels lighter post-purchase. Unable to kick your penchant for a posh pencil skirt, but want to avoid bankruptcy at all costs? High street haunt River Island is here to help! With an equally fabulous version of the Dolce number at a pocket-pleasing £25, the pink floral-print pencil skirt will deliver the style hit your after, without breaking the bank. Win win! Will you splurge or save? Steep: Dolce & Gabbana Floral-print twill pencil skirt, £522, available at My Theresa Cheap: Pink floral-print pencil skirt, £25, available at River Island

Read More

Lunchtime Buy: Topshop blue animal mix tube skirt

When talking fashion, the brighter months don’t always have to indicate powder pastels and fancy florals. This season, summer has a dark side and it’s dangerously inviting! Designed with scattered patches of varied stripes, animal print, dark block colouring and space-like themes, this tube skirt conveys dark, sexy glamour at its best. The interesting yet surprisingly coordinating prints provide a more sombre edge to the garment which is perfect when wanting to create an ever-so gorgeously gloomy, stylish statement for that special occasion. The tube style creates a sensual silhouette and will showcase your curves and give you hourglass figure a’ la Kim Kardashian! And who doesn’t want that? Topshop never ceases to amaze when it comes to creating unique garments; it’s a fabulous go-to for all the very latest on trend fashions. The store forever hits the style spot, with competitive high street prices for almost identical catwalk creations. No wonder it accumulates so much love! For a total superb look, style this gorgeous skirt with a tucked in black blouse, glossy heels and silver metallic accessories. Here’s to looking completely fabulous all season long! Topshop blue animal mix tube skirt, £22

Read More

Lunchtime Buy: Red Valentino floral-print taffeta dress

“Florals, for spring – groundbreaking,” as said by the devil herself – Meryl Streep – in everyone’s fave classic fashionista film The Devil Wears Prada. Well, she had a good point, however we know that floral prints are the true essence of spring/summer style and are a trend that will forever bloom for years to come. Whether they’re pretty and delicate or striking and bold, we all have to confess that we love a bit of floral in our lives. This floral-print taffeta dress by Red Valentino is a superb example of pastel petals creatively clashing with a more sombre colour palette, similar to last year’s Alexander McQueen spring/summer collection. The trend totally blossomed into one of the year’s most exciting and talked about styles and it looks like Valentino has taken a leaf out of Sarah Burton’s book this season, with this striking yet equally stunning dress. The dress features a dreamy print which is displayed in an overlapping abundance of summery hues, and above all is a comfortable and figure flattering style. This chic summer option is perfect for parties and when styled with fuchsia pink heels to match the skinny waist belt and a glossy envelop clutch, you’ll be a true daisy darling. Red Valentino floral-print taffeta dress, £625, Net-a-Porter

Read More

Lunchtime Buy: Karen Millen floral print cotton dress

Summer whites – check! Eye-catching florals – check! A beautiful figure-fitting silhouette – Check! Check! Check! Looking for a perfect piece that’ll ease you into the new season with effortless style? May your search land you in the very chic and capable hands of Karen Millen. This delicate floral print shift features this season’s must-have trend; summer whites, along with a gorgeous column print design in pretty pastels with a contrasting fabric waistband and cut away mesh back detail. The figure-fitting silhouette will beautifully accentuate your sexy curves and evoke a sense of striking style thanks to the dreamy, yet eye-catching floral pattern. Simply team with a pair of sassy sandals in white and minimal pastel hued accessories and you’ll be set to look absolutely fabulous, darling! Floral Print Cotton Dress, £160, Karen Millen.

Read More

10 blazers under £100!

Reincarnated in so many guises, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep track of the sartorial power the humble blazer harbours. From the sharpsuiter (geddit), I-damn-well-mean-business types, to the more casually inclined, printed versions; blazers have, well, trail blazed the way for everything – from making outerwear appropriate on the dance floor to taking the boardroom staple out of the office and into our off-duty lives. But slipping into a well cut blazer needn’t cost the earth. Searching high and low (as we do), we’ve tracked down 10 of the best blazers available in stores right now, and all under £100! From preppy prints at Topshop to shots of bold, tropical hues at Debenhams; sleek whites at F&F and subtle nudes at Missguided, here are the 10 blazers worthy of your hard-earned cash, that won’t leave a gaping hole in your fashion fund! Boohoo, £30: A fun and smart way to add florals to your wardrobe this summer, this floral-print blazer is perfect over an easy summer dress, or a casual jeans and tee ensemble. Next, £32: Turn summer’s favourite offering on its head, by snapping up a blazer in candyfloss pink – and lace! We’re wearing ours with a flippy summer skirt, blouse and ballerina pumps. Debenhams, £45: Unleash your colour-loving side in this bold Butterfly by Matthew Williamson blazer. A great office-to-after work drinks option. River Island, £60: Tread the futuristic trend path in this sleek, leatherette detail blazer from our favourite high street haunt.  Marks & Spencer, £55: Don’t let black become boring. Instead snap up this Limited Collection bird print blazer, and give all the boardroom bores a run for their money! Topshop, £65: Prints with the pizzazz factor? This patch print blazer has got it nailed. Pair with all white separates for a chic office look. […]

Read More

5 of the best summer dresses under £100

It took a while, but it looks like that big yellow thing in the sky might be sticking around for a few days before it goes into hiding again. So, rather than be taken by surprise when it comes out to play, we thought we should be prepared for its arrival. And what better preparation than shopping for some cool, pretty summer dresses that all happen to cost under £100? 1. – Orange, yellow, wild prints, a sexy silhouette… what more could you want from a summer dress? This bodycon baby is perfect for both day and night, so make sure it has a special place in your wardrobe or suitcase this summer. Topshop block print bodycon, £29 2. – Want to show off your pins but can’t resist the swooping motion of a long maxi dress? There’s no need to make a compromise with this 2-in- maxi dress. And what chic, gorgeous colour combinations! Rubee B 2-in-1 maxi dress, £22.99 3. – If you’re not into big bold prints or overly feminine florals but still want to stand out with a bright (but simple) dress, then this beauty is the one for you. We love the subtle multi-stripe detailing too! Miss Selfridge texture cami skater dress, £37 4. –The subtle frill around the bust is the perfect nod to femininity; plus it’ll also give you some help in the old bust region if you’re not as blessed in the cleavage department as Kelly Brook. And let’s face it, that’s pretty much most of us! Lashes Edit neon pink dress, £40 5. – What could be a better homage to the sun than a bright yellow dress, eh? This dress is essentially summer in a nutshell, with the waist cinching bonus of the crochet belt – not only will it define your waist, but it’ll show off your bronzed skin in […]

Read More

Buy of the Week: Dolce and Gabbana Jacquard Dress with Lace Overlay

For the most darling of dresses that’s pretty, multi-occasional and right in line to hit all the trend buttons this summer, look no further than this beautiful jacquard dress from those Dolce and Gabbana boys. With a blaze of bold-coloured blooms and a saucy lick of lemon, the Kings of fashion Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have provided us with one of the sweetest designer dresses that make this a real modern day marvel for a girl who likes to wander around town or who has a tasty tea party on the horizon. As you would expect from the design doubles, this delicious dress conveys elements of spring/summer’s hottest trends: printed florals and lady-like lace. These two fabrics are a match made in heaven! Sugary sweet with a versatile appearance, the shift silhouette and jacquard skirt work marvellously hand in hand, creating a complementary and comfortable ensemble. Cream tea anyone? The busy design of the fabulous floral print brings a whole new lease of life to this dress, reflecting a happy persona to those who are lucky enough to wear it. The lemon curd lace portrays femininity, accentuating the female figure with its nipped-in waistline. Perfect for hourglass or athlete statues, it creates curves and shapes in all the right places. With regards to accessories, tie in those florals with a chic flower Alice-band and drop floral earrings. Go for a pair of green stilettos with coordinating nails and you’ll be set for a stylish summer. Jacquard Dress With Lace Overlay by Dolce and Gabbana, £1,125. mytheresa.com 

Read More

Mary Katrantzou Teleport Postage Stamp-Print Scarf: Yay or Nay?

Our saviour in snowy climes, and the accessory du jour when it comes to beautiful, beach appropriate head gear; the humble scarf has come a long way since its yard-a-wool, wintry heyday. Available in an array of fabrics, styles and prints, the scarf is one of the most versatile summer accessories you’ll find in your wardrobe. Go all Carmen Miranda on your fash friends by twisting, turning and embellishing to create an adorned, statement headscarf look, or, pep up a muted ensemble whilst blocking out the cool British weather by wearing it around your neck. And when we laid eyes on this week’s Yay or Nay option, we skipped a heartbeat, or three! Her name is synonymous with delirious prints and mind-blowing silhouettes, and she’s mainly responsible for the excitement pouring out of the heart of London’s fashion scene. And now, Mary Katrantzou has turned her print-whizz hand to accessories. But being at the high end of the fashion market means, as delicious as your wares look, as expensive as they really are! Below, we weigh up the reasons for clicking in/clicking out of our imaginary e-basket the Teleport Postage Stamp-Print scarf: Yay  Multi-print:  The famed Teleport print from Mary’s iconic spring/summer 2013 includes geometric lines running amidst mirrored florals and an enlarged butterfly print. More print than you bargained for! Go-with-anything accessory: The humble scarf is our ultimate reach-out piece when looking to accent an outfit, and the riot of prints and colour on the scarf will ensure you need nothing else to complete your look. Practicality and style all rolled into one; we’re not complaining. Lightweight fabric ideal for all weather: The fine modal and cashmere blend feels super-soft against the skin and won’t give that dreaded bulky look a winter scarf does, making it light and airy […]

Read More

Nicole Kidman is Best Dressed of the Week in Christian Dior Couture

Undoubtedly, the words on the lips of the sartorial circuit this week are something like Cannes Film Festival. We’ve waxed lyrical with our highlights from day one and two, and we’re not about to stop. Stealing the BDOTW spotlight this week is none other than the gorgeous Nicole Kidman, who wowed us not just with her age-defying looks on the Cannes red carpet (that woman has magical skin!), but every ensemble she pulled out of the bag. Although we wanted to be greedy and profile her every look so far, we chose the one that particularly stood out for us; a strapless floral-embroidered dress from the Christian Dior Spring 2013 Couture collection she wore to the The Great Gatsby premiere at the festival. Making us hyperventilate at the thought of sporting (much, much cheaper) summer florals, Nicole’s breathtaking couture gown was accented to perfection by coral Dior pumps, a pop of colour on the lips and a slick high ponytail. She’s already a Cannes red carpet favourite of ours, but we just couldn’t help crown her Best Dressed, too! We’re pretty sure you won’t disagree either.

Read More

Say it in stripes! Channel your inner sailor with our top picks

Does the onset of summer bring out your inner sailor? Well, we’re not expecting you to take to the controls at the next boat party you attend, but letting your sartorial side dip into this fun trend is always refreshing. But how does one go about a sailor trend-on-trial, without resorting to embarrassing, Popeye-inspired androgynous ensembles? The answer is stripes; Coco Chanel’s famed fashion delivery, spring/summer 2013’s biggest trend story, and one of the easiest ways to unleash the sailor(ess) within, without donning a cheesy sailor hat and anything doused in anchor prints! Literal references are best kept for fancy dress parties, but if you want to add a touch of everyday sailor-style to your wardrobe then inspired separates are your best bet. Think more Audrey Hepburn-esque maritime maven, than sea sickeningly sailor. Want to take the fashion forward route? Slip into the best pair of striped jeans you can find. Or maybe your approach to trend testing is a little more subtle, in which case a simple Breton stripe top or stripe-printed heel may do the job. Shop our top striped picks below, and don’t forget to check out our style tip on the best way to make stripes work for you. Breton stripe top, £36, Jigsaw Lulu Guinness Verity striped shoulder bag, £265, Selfridges Acne Liz stripe-print trouser, £230, Matches Kimberley monochrome striped fabric tie wedge, £45, Stylistpick Mono stripe panel denim dress, £40, Topshop Stripe ponti skater skirt, £28, Miss Selfridge Marc Jacobs striped raffia espadrilles, £225, My Theresa Style tip: If you’re not too keen on a stripe-out, then opt for a neutral ensemble, punctuated with one statement striped item. It’s the perfect print style for your holiday wardrobe – especially if you avoid florals – and a classic striped dress or Breton top will work for any […]

Read More

10 of the best summer dresses on the high street

When looking for the perfect summer dress, it’s the ‘looking good’ that should matter, not the fear of an eye-watering price tag. If you’re serious about stylishly striding into summer this year, then the high street is a haven for pretty wardrobe fillers; and the summer dress being the epitome of a new season look when the temperature finally begins rise, we’ve got plenty lined up to tickle your fashion fancy. Forget high-end, pocket-emptying options, and look to Next, H&M and the altar of artistic dressers on a limited budget, Topshop, to land these chic summer dresses without the shopper’s guilt. From floor-sweeping, chiffon maxis to pretty pleated dresses and zingy floral frocks, check out our pick of the ten best summer dresses to shop on the high street right now. Red Herring blue tile printed dress, £36, Debenhams: The perfect printed number for hitting up the long list of summer parties in your social diary! Leia pleat detail dress, £195, Reiss: The zingy citrus hue of this pure silk number is making us drool! A worthy summer investment. Bow shoulder shift dress, £175, Jaeger: We love the Sixties feel of this cute shift dress, and the florals are just right for seeing in the warmer months. Chiffon maxidress, £49.99, H&M: The dropped waist and print detail set this maxi apart from traditional summer versions. Studded dress, £48, Warehouse: Just like the denim shirt is a wardrobe staple, this studded dress is no exception. Casablanca Vine halter dress, £110, French Connection: The floral print and halter neck detail lend a retro feel to this summer-perfect number. Embroidered dress, £28, River Island: The boho feel of this dress makes us long for sandy beaches and clear skies. *Sigh* Chiffon printed dress, £34.99 A statement print is key for summer, and on […]

Read More

Steep vs. Cheap: The Check Dress

Check and plaid prints pretty much took over our lives when they made their eye-opening debut for spring/summer 2013. Our favourite looks came courtesy of Dries Van Noten, where dreamy, veiled layers intermixed in a super-wearable way, whilst over at 3.1 Phillip Lim we enjoyed checks and plaid artfully paired with detailed florals. So, how to buy into the trend, you ask? Well, there’s the expensive way, or the pocket pleasing way (you know which one we’re going with), and we’re about to reveal the secret of both! First up, making our tongues wag and our pockets empty is the deluxe way to try this trend. The Danica Plaid dress by Dries Van Noten is a fashion lover’s dream come true, with its grunge-meets-summer-cool appeal. The sheer chiffon overlay and belt detail is heart melting, but before you cave in, the price is worth considering: at a budget restraining £549, you’ll be seriously cutting into that summer style fund. But when there’s a Topshop nearby, there’s a way, and we’ve found it! Coming in at £130 – a snip of the whopper price tag above – we love the Sheer Back Check Dress from Topshop Boutique. The delicate organza silk back detail is a winner and we can’t wait to pair this number with pretty metallic heels when the sun finally decides to make an appearance! Will you be splurging or spending? Steep: Dries Van Noten Danica plaid dress with chiffon overlay, £549, available at My Theresa Cheap: Sheer back midi check dress, £130, available from Topshop Unique

Read More

Marion Cotillard scoops Best Dressed of the Week in Christian Dior

Trust a Frenchie to pull off a Parisian fashion house’s epic design with effortlessness. Would you believe Marion Cotillard is ever so nonchalantly wearing none other than Christian Dior here?! Although the raggedly cut, Rooney Mara-esqe bob isn’t really doing it for us, we couldn’t take our eyes of her stunning rise-and-fall hemline dress. Marion attended the Tokyo premiere of her latest film, Rust and Bone in a strapless frock festooned with textured florals, from the Pre-Fall 2013 collection. Although the overall look is very, very pared down, we think it works perfectly. Finishing off Marion’s red carpet style were asymmetrical strap Dior pumps (probably an ode to the uneven hemline) and a slick of gloss on the lips. We think it’s pretty refreshing to witness an accessory-free celebrity for once, allowing more focus to fall on the beautiful dress. What do you make of Marion’s minimal look? [Image: Zimbio]

Read More

Its bloomin’ spring, lovelies! Here are 3 great ways to wear floral prints this spring

Spring is upon is, and although the weather will have you believe otherwise, it doesn’t mean your wardrobe cannot blossom into the new season. Floral fashion is like a rite of passage when it comes to lighter climes, but we’re not talking ditsy, Little House on the Praire florals. Hyper-florals are interesting: taking a wardrobe staple such as a blazer and updating it with a fashion-forward botanical print adds a stylish edge to your everyday look. A little over whelmed by the statement making print? Well, fear not, because it isn’t as all-consuming (not unlike the Venus flytrap – how apt!) as it looks, and with a little style guidance, we can show you three easy ways to incorporate it in to your wardrobe. We’ve picked out three uber-cool options to bring a burst of floweriness to your burgeoning clothes collection, so check out our tips below on how to style florals for spring. Cash splash: Tucker floral-print silk-georgette jumpsuit, Net-a-Porter If you’re looking to take a no-expenses spared approach to wearing florals, then going all out (we mean this literally) is the only way. Hit a high-end note in this statement floral-print jumpsuit by Tucker. Paired with heels and a clutch, it’s the perfect party alternative to the predictable LBD. Trend dip: Tropical floral print scarf, Whistles If you’re a little wary of trying out the floral trend this spring, then investing in a pocket-friendly accessory that doesn’t compromise on quality is key. We love the tropical floral print splashed across this scarf, and it provides the perfect injection of colour to take an off-duty outfit from drab to fab. Statement staple: Piqué floral blazer, Zara The blazer receives a resounding nod from the fash pack when it comes to stealing the coveted title of best buy. Although it is fab […]

Read More

Will Gatsby gear be the film-fash inspiration of the year?

[noskim] Film releases and fashion trends go hand in hand. Last year, the Hunger Games – and Jennifer Lawrence – gave brown leather jackets and flat boots a boost when black biker jackets and heels ruled the roost. This year, we’re spending plenty of time pondering where our next film-fash inspo might be coming from. One fairly safe bet is Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, which is due for release in May. Baz loves a bit of bling in the costume department – remember Nicole Kidman in that sparkly corset and top hat combo in Moulin Rouge? So, when you take into account Luhrman’s love of the lavish coupled with the seriously stylish Ivy League leavers the film follows and throw into the mix the fact everything takes place at the start of the roaring twenties – you should get film-fash gold. Yes, we are already getting in a bit of a Gatsby flap. After convincing us we could pull off a crop, Carey Mulligan – as Daisy Buchanan – is now set to start a scarf revival. Luckily she’s teaming it with a sleek, blonde, bob – a style more than a handful of us already fancied for summer. Style yourself in Ms Daisy’s footsteps and choose classy kimonos and trousers, dresses embellished with lace and sequins, feathers and heavenly headwear. Of course, you don’t need to be as full-on as Ms Daisy. We like this Alice By Temperley lace number. It’s a little shorter than 20s styles but the embroidered décolletage and mesh sleeves make it classy and easy to wear and it’s not quite as in your-face bling as some of the sequin dresses in the movie, which might not be quite so wearable. You could wear this with kitten heels or even bring it up to […]

Read More

X Factor’s Lucie Jones launches lingerie collection

Remember Lucie Jones from the X Factor way back in 2009? Don’t feel too bad if you don’t as we needed some help too – good old YouTube – but it’s okay because she’s launched her own range of lingerie now which should hopefully get people talking about her all over again. The 21-year-old Welsh singer-turned-(sort of)-designer has created her very own Loved by Lucie lingerie collection, which reportedly consists of fun, feminine, cute, and comfortable pieces. “I wasn’t going for outright sexy – I wanted something fun and feminine,” she said. “It’s for real women who like to wear cute but comfortable underwear. The pieces feature gorgeous lace trims and lovely floral prints, and they’re flattering. You’re not going to bulge over the sides of the knickers for example.” If you like your girlie florals and pretty patterns, we think it’s worth checking this collection out! [Daily Mail]  

Read More

Couture Fashion Week highlights from Jean Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab and Valentino

Quite a lot of Couture Fashion Week highlights to get through this afternoon, so let’s crack right on. Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier and Valentino all presented their Spring Couture collections in Paris, and we’ve selected a few of our fave looks from each show. Jean Paul Gaultier loves a good theme when it comes to his collections – this time round he was inspired by the gypsies of Rajasthan, India, which was very evident in the rich colours, vibrant patterns, intricate detailing and heavy embroidery. We love the voluminous beehives and the reworked edition of the cone bra, too – a JPG classic! Elie Saab did as Elie Saab does and blew everyone away with the sheer romanticism and fairytale elegance of his collection. An abundance of sheer, lace, sequin and pastel red carpet worthy dresses for those all-important Oscars, not to mention editorial content for upcoming fashion glossy pages. We don’t think this collection should be overlooked for upcoming A-lister weddings either! Finally, Valentino was simply magical with some of the most finely crafted, perfectly sculpted pieces we’ve ever laid eyes upon. We’re glad the Valentino-approved florals remained in the collection, with the flirty structured dress Cara Delevingne stepped out in being one of our favourites. Elie Saab  Valentino

Read More

Steep vs. Cheap: Leopard-print pants

A statement pant is a stylish companion for lifting an off-duty look, and the fashion world’s obsession with animal prints of all kind seems to be running into next season. Stella McCartney’s lust-worthy leopard print pants first stole our hearts (and forced us to mentally spend a big chunk of our new season wardrobe budget) on the Resort runways back in June, when, slotted amongst a wash of summer-soft shades and zingy florals was the covetable printed pant paired ever so artfully with a matching top and bomber jacket. However, coming from a top-notch design house these pants are accompanied by a stratospheric price tag, too; yours for a budget blasting £625. But if you’re looking for an equally stylish hit of animal print on a more realistic budget, head over to high street haven H&M, where you can land a strikingly similar version for a mere £39.99. We promise your pocket won’t even realise the lighter cash load it’s carrying! Steep: Stella McCartney leopard-print fine-knit wool pants, £625, available at Net-a-Porter Cheap: Leopard-print skinny pants, £39.99, available at H&M

Read More

First look at Poppy Delevingne for Vero Moda

In case you needed more proof that the Delevingne sisters are taking over the fashion world, feast your eyes on Poppy Delevingne modelling for Vero Moda. We know her younger sister Cara Delevingne is all over the catwalks, billboards and magazine pages right now, but 26-year-old Poppy doesn’t seem to be doing too bad either. We love her pictures, and think she is the perfect person to replace Alexa Chung (who also did a cracking job) as brand ambassador. “Poppy Delevingne adds lightness and femininity to the images, without ever losing her edge,” a spokesperson for Vera Moda said. “Graphic and minimalist locations were chosen for the shoot to create an eye-catching reflection of Poppy’s fresh look and the more stringent lines of the location.” There are some fab pieces in the spring/summer 2013 collection, especially some pinstripe Beetlejuice inspired trousers that we are all over. The perfect contrast to the feminine florals! [Catwalk Queen]

Read More

10 of the best trends of 2012

We can’t believe 2012 is drawing to a close so fast, and with festive prep in full blast, we’ve taken out a little time to help you reflect on the trends that defined the runways of 2012. From ornate embellishment to luxe leather; gym gear gone glam to shirtless collars – 2012 brought several lasting pieces and styles to our wardrobes. To refresh your memory, as next season creeps upon the ever-moving world of fashion, here’s to a trip down trend memory lane to refresh your fashion mindset, and cleanse the mental palate to make way for next season’s stunning wares. Sports luxe: Olympic fever gripped the globe this year, and with so much fitness apparel, fine abs and Tom Daley in full view, designers couldn’t help but take gym gear up a few chic notches; off the treadmill and straight onto the runway(with a few modifications, obvs). Embellishment: The SS’12 shows marked the beginning of our obsession with festooning everything from cardis to clutches and slippers to socks. Even for a/w’12, Lanvin and Balmain delivered heavy smatterings of crystals and beading to their fashionable wares, whilst Christopher Kane’s embellished clutches and jeans became summer staples. We approved. Collars: Dismantling the shirt, a firm wardrobe staple, left us with a collar and free reign to do anything to it! What started out as a pretty and prim game of peek-a-boo atop cosy knits Alexa (yes, she) wore with dresses and shirts underneath became a full-blown global phenomenon. Encrusted with stones; crisp white; metallic; printed or Peter Pan versions, the collar did pretty well at pushing the statement necklace of its pedestal. Candy shades: Probably the biggest summer trend to slip into our wardrobes, pastel shades were everywhere! We blame the house of Louis Vuitton for getting us unhealthily hooked on shades of […]

Read More

Kate Middleton rocks Erdem and Jenny Packham in Singapore

Who needs Fashion Month when you have Kate Middleton’s gorgeous wardrobe to keep up with, eh? The Duchess of Cambridge continued her love affair with florals as she attended the British Gala Reception in a floaty and very Princess-worthy Erdem dress, which she accessorised with L.K Bennett shoes and Kiki McDonough earrings. Standard Kate! And it looks like Jenny Packham might feature very heavily in Kate’s Diamond Jubilee Tour wardrobe if her recent appearances are anything to go by, as our future Queen wore another of the designer’s dresses. This time, she opted to wear a light grey, floaty dress to the Kranji Commonwealth War Cemetery which was very event appropriate, although a bit less exciting than the one she wore to the Botanical Gardens. So far, Kate’s purple Prabal Gurung look has been our favourite just because it really brought some colour to the proceedings, but it’s early days yet. Kate’s style is somewhere between predictable and versatile, so we look forward to keeping an eye on her sartorial choices over the next few weeks. As always, we’ll keep you updated!

Read More

Gwen Stefani wears Peter Pilotto and McQ for Elle UK October

As Gwen Stefani on the front cover of Harper’s Bazaar US was one of our favourite September issues this year, it’s safe to say that we were pretty excited to learn that the feisty blonde No Doubt singer would be making an appearance on Elle UK’s October cover. Gwen’s cover look is quite interesting to say the least; we love the contrast of the McQ florals with the edgier Peter Pilotto top, although we sadly don’t think it’ll be everyone’s cup of tea. We fell in love with the McQ dress earlier this year when Victorious star Victoria Justice wore it to the Met Gala, but we totally rate the mix and match look that’s going on here too. What do you guys reckon? Hopefully the subscriber’s edition will bring something new to the table as well; Gwen has the power and versatility to pull off a multitude of looks, so we hope the mag has used that to its advantage. Stay tuned – Gwen’s Elle UK October issue is out on September 5th. [Elle UK] 

Read More

Maxi vs.Short…10 snap-up-now summer dresses to shop!

Looking for the perfect summer dress? If you want to make a standout style statement at every single summer soiree you attend in the coming weeks, look no further than our edit of the top 10 sizzling summer dresses at shopbop! Brights, pretty pastels, florals and this season’s heady prints; we’ve got them all covered with our top picks! Short, breezy cocktail dresses are perfect for office-to-party style, and nothing quite says a lazy summer’s day like a flowing maxi dress! Maxi or short, which style will you be sporting in the sun? (From top left) Rory Beca Bondi Basic Wrap Dress, £125.43 DKNY 3/4 Sleeve Shirtdress, £227.76 Tibi Sleeveless Dress, £217.86 Raoul Kate Dress, £260.77 Diane Von Furstenberg Carpreena Mini Rose Jacquard Dress, £320.18 Velvet Drucie Maxi Dress, £114.87 A.L.C Luisa Dress, £458.82 Clover Canyon Stained Glass Maxi Dress, £139.30 Nightcap Clothing Long Fringe Dress, £254.17 Diane Von Furstenberg Naira Dress, £394.78

Read More

SPOTLIGHT ON: Sacai

Headed up by Chitose Abe, Japanese label Sacai has fast become a head-turner on the runway. Producing pieces she says are “made in a complex way, but its easier to wear”, Abe’s designs are worthy of being in this week’s spotlight. Already stocking at coveted fashion outlets such as Colette and Dover Street Market, Sacai was launched in 1999 after Abe spent more than eight years cutting her teeth working for Junya Watanabe. Abe showed her first runway collection for spring/summer 2012 in Paris, less than a month after opening her first flagship store in Tokyo’s trendy Aoyama district, and Sacai’s performance before the fashion elite was nothing short of brilliant, and highly praised. Merging heavy biker influences with dainty florals, lace and embroidery anglaise, Sacai is the go-to label for those seeking the perfect summer wardrobe with a gritty edge. Far from a sickly sweet rendition of the new season, the Sacai SS’12 collection offers relaxed silhouettes in a dark palette, interestingly pairing lace with linen and embroidery anglaise with cashmere and cupro. Easy-to-wear pieces in a trans-seasonal colour palette and perfectly suited for a day-to-night wardrobe; Sacai is steadily acquiring a go-to status for all the right reasons. Shop select pieces from the Sacai SS’12 collection at LN-CC. Dress and Gilet shown above, both available at LN-CC

Read More

Tuesday Shoesday: Hats off to Flats!

As we welcome with open arms the long-awaited intervention of the glorious sun into grey British weather, the other highly anticipated intervention is a fashionable one; a fashionable and  comfortable one in fact. Let us introduce the new season shoe-crush: the Comfort Sandal. You may frown upon this concept at first, thinking they fall into Scholl territory, but, one glance at the spring/summer 2012 catwalks and you’ll realise that even the designers were crushing on the heelless shoe. Championed at Christopher Kane in the form of pool sandals, and dearly accepted by the fashion clique, we knew straight off flats were the new high. Metallic soles with black leather straps and Perspex upper detailing showed up at 3.1 Phillip Lim, whilst Alexander Wang put out the lugged rubber sole, perforated lambskin Karlie sandal we instantly fell head over flats in love with (pun intended). Although leaning towards the season’s prominent sporty trend, Kane paired his with pretty florals and glistening brocade minis and 3.1 Phillip Lim thought nothing of the Comfort Sandal looking equally desirable with Easter egg pastels. It’s no longer a crime to omit heels from your outfit, especially when the alternative looks this good! Channel the trend with our hot-to-trot Comfort Sandal picks and give your over-worked, over-heeled feet a well-deserved summer break! 1. Pastiche Metallic Sandals, £70, available at Topshop 2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Mirrored Metallic Sandals, £335, available at My Theresa 3. Ann Demeulemeester women’s Camoscio Skeletal Sandals, £600, available at LN-CC 4. Senso Indiana Patent Strapped Sandals, £125, available at ASOS 5. Alexander Wang Karlie Flat Sandals, £257.72, available at Shopbop 6. Givenchy Virginia Biker Glitter Sandals, £515, available at My Theresa 7. Alexander Wang Raquel Ankle Wrap Sandals, £257.72, available at Shopbop

Read More

Floral Prints! Bring on spring fashion please!

We’re literally wearing over four layers every day, gulping hot chocolate, soup…anything warm we can get our hands on and if we see another jumper we will just scream. We need to believe that spring weather is really on its way! We need the sun and definitely no rain. We’re looking forward to wearing blazers, less layers and light tops (no more woolies! There are a ton of gorgeous tops to choose from for spring and we can’t wait! Our favourite? Beautiful blooming floral print tops. Offering the best in plus size clothes Evans as some really stylish floral pieces on offer. We especially love this navy floral print vest. It’s simple and cute and makes us smile. And if florals are too bold for you. Opt for this mink wrap chiffon top. Pair either option with dark blue skinny jeans and a pair of fab heels! For more in plus size clothing head on over to Evans.co.uk. Stay warm!

Read More

Unleash your inner animal in snakeskin. Here’s how to wear it!

Animal prints are oh so right, but when pulled together carelessly, can quickly become oh so wrong….. The perennial leopard print is offered a new lease of life every season, with designers refusing to let go, but snakeskin is an exception. It’s a print that can easily become tacky if worn in the wrong way, and that’s where we come in! Cling to these snakeskin sporting tricks, and you won’t have to shed (pardon the pun) your clothes in embarrassment.   …..Fun yet functional                           Pierre Hardy S/S 2012              Marc By Marc Jacobs Knapsack, £125.43, Shopbop   …Add colour pop accessories and loud nails to soft snake print pieces                                           Cardigan, £15, Shopstyle. Belt, £16, Topshop   …Play with colour Stella McCartney Falabella Mini Cross-body Bag, £545, mytheresa.com; Snake Effect Court Shoe, £46, Topshop; Marc by Marc Jacobs Hot Dot Belt, £130, Matches   …Wear a heady print such as snakeskin injected with femininity in the form of a wispy, calf length skirt Snake Waterfall Calf Skirt, £45, Topshop   …Clash fearlessly with florals Current Elliot Python Print Jeans, £180, Matches; Paul & Joe  Top, £88, my-wardrobe.com

Read More

5 spring trends we absolutely adore!

Soon all the January sales will have finished and our favourite stores will suddenly be awash with new collections. However, it is sometimes hard to know exactly what and what we should be looking out for in the forthcoming season. Thankfully, help is at hand as MFL is here to end all your trend-forecasting woes. Here are top five spring trends- they are the ones we love, the ones we will be following and the ones you should too! PASTELS If there is one trend see in abundance on the catwalk at the last fashion weeks, it was creamy pastels. Pale lemon, mint green, candy pink and baby blue all featured heavily. Take the icy pastel blues at Christopher Kane and the ultra pale lemons at Carolina Herrera for inspiration. Ease yourself into the trend by adding a pastel piece to your wardrobe- a pale pink sweater or mint green bag for example.   FLORALS Yes they pop up every year, but this time round florals are bigger than ever. Erdem’s classic blue florals drew admiring glances all round, while Valentino’s monochrome blooms took a fresh approach to the trend. It is a simple trend to wear and might even be one you have in your wardrobe. Pair that floral tea dress with a candy coloured cardigan for ultimate fashion kudos. VINTAGE AMERICANA One of our absolute favourite trends this season was the Vintage Americana look which steamrolled in at the last shows. We mean, did you see Prada’s cute a quirky car print motifs?! Jil Sander also followed suit with retro blue and white gingham. One of the more daring trends but that’s part of the appeal! BOLD PRINTS If you are going to do prints this season, make sure they are big, bold and brash! Take a look at […]

Read More

London Fashion Week SS12: Ashish

Who: Ashish What: Florals, oversized sunflowers and graphic chess board prints – all crafted in signature sequins. Feminine dresses are paired with big grungy boots and separates are mixed to clash prints; fans will be pleased to hear his souchy pyjama pants are still around, too. Highlights: Vibrant sequin sunflowers set against black and white stripes; exaggerated, sexy V-backed dresses and wild flowers spilling out of heavy boots. Lowlights: Are you kidding? This is like Lucky Charms for breakfast, and then some. Overall: Ashish has gone decidedly feminine for spring 2012. Though his trademark toughness is still apparent at core – grungy Nineties lengths, sweats and shorts and plum-black lips – the designer’s shown a soft side, too. Girly garden prints form the spine for spring, with blowsy roses appearing on a straw fedora, sequinned sunflowers on separates and dresses, Oritenal poppies on denim and French marigolds on a shirt. But though this girl likes florals – the focus is a gardener’s daughter, if you hadn’t caught on – she’s not flowery. Attitude is packed into graphic prints like lawns and brick walls, as well as other, geometric patterns – a monochrome stripe or a sharp chess board. As such, shapes are simple – shift dresses or ankle-length sheaths are clean, but a deep v-back or a hip-reaching split would suggest she’s devilishly playful, too. Pretty-but-dishevelled ethereal plaits, straw fedoras and big black boots deliver the perfect dark finish to this feminine collection – it’s wearable, edgy and, possibly, Ashish’s best one yet. Watch the video of Ashish’s spring/summer 2012 collection below: Ashish SS12 | Rightster, posted with vodpod Image: catwalking.com

Read More

AW11 Trend Recap: Arresting Jewel Tones & Spellbinding Prints and Patterns

Jewel Tones Deeply exotic gemstone hues replace last season’s bold fixation. Christopher Kane neon’s; seriously citrus and cerise hues and intense colour blocking have matured into glamorous, deep set jewel tones. With an emphasis on unadulterated opulence, varying textures beautifully contrasted in emerald at Emilio Pucci and Diane Von Furstenberg. Garnet garnered serious attention at Celine and Marc Jacobs, whilst citrine set the scene for the months ahead at Bottega Veneta and Valentino. Judging by this palette, it’s unsurprising then that the perennial LBD may just be sidelined in favour of its mystery evoking, colourful counterpart. Print & Pattern If you thought Prada and Stella McCartney’s madcap prints were the ghosts of season past, think again. Prints continued their haunting this season, minus the monkey business. The autumn/winter catwalks painted a sumptuous display of ornate artistry and a nod to ceramics, as designers took inspiration from precious objects of art. With an leaning towards wearable luxury – a continuing theme this season – swirls, motifs and tapestry-infused prints took centre stage at Etro, Mary Katrantzou and Viktor & Rolf, with a rather grown-up take on an unusual favourite: spots, as played out at Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs.  Last season’s ditsy florals have bloomed and are even more impactful as seen at Paul Smith and Jil Sander. The key to this trend: be as decorative as you dare.

Read More

The hottest summer dresses under £100!

It’s official: summer’s finally here. Yesterday’s solstice saw in this year’s longest day and the long-awaited arrival of summer – and we’ll be honest, we couldn’t be more excited. Needless to say, we’re feeling thoroughly inspired by the promise of sunshine, heady summer sunsets and lazy hazy evenings, and if you’re anything like us, the thought of filling your wardrobe with wears to suit the weather is just as enticing. Since nothing feels quite as summery as a sweet show-all dress, we’ve had a scout for the hottest summer dresses that’ll take you from sand to soiree via a Solero-filled stroll to ensure you’ll look super sun-kissed at just about every scene this season. From fab floaty florals to paintbox brights and easy-breezy slip-ons, take a look at our pick of the prettiest dresses around – and best of all? They’re all under £100 (so we won’t tell if you want to bag the whole basket).   Navy antique floral print shift dress, £50, available at Topshop. BUY NOW! Yellow colour block tee dress, £50, available at Topshop. BUY NOW! Digital tulip print maxi dress, £65, available at ASOS. BUY NOW! Phillipa dress by Goldie, £68, available at Topshop. BUY NOW! Warehouse silk simplicity dress, £70, available at ASOS. BUY NOW! Jaeger Stripe scallop edge dress, £130 £75, available at Jaeger. BUY NOW! Red 3D flower shift dress, £50, available at Topshop. BUY NOW! ASOS premium crochet dress, £70, available at ASOS. BUY NOW! Jaeger broderie Anglaise dress, £180 £99, available at Jaeger. BUY NOW! ASOS salon floral cocktail dress, £75, available at ASOS. BUY NOW! Cara crinkle day dress, £77 £38, available at French Connection. BUY NOW! Sardinia stripe hem dress, £95, available at Reiss. BUY NOW! Wide stripe dress, £48, available at Urban Outfitters. BUY NOW! Peter Pan […]

Read More

Five floral pieces to feel pretty in this summer

We don’t know about you, but we’re getting a little fidgety about summer over here. You see, when the sun has its hat, we’re very happy indeed – and frankly we’ve had enough of grey skies and soggy feet. So, with the sun’s glow just around the corner, we’re in the mood for something suitably summery, and we reckon florals will give us the fashion boost to hold out. From daisies to ditsy and poppies to painterly, floral prints are the perfect pairing for warm days, and luckily, they’re about in abundance. We’ve dug around for our favourite floral pieces to get us – and you – in the mood for sunshine. See below for our top picks that are guaranteed to get you feeling pretty this summer…   There’s nothing more feminine and flirty than a Fifties floral dress, especially when it’s bursting with multi-coloured blooms. The structured shape and deep rounded neck add a simplistic streak to D&G’s Mimosa dress that makes it perfect for any summer soiree. D&G Mimosa dress, £320, available at Matches. BUY NOW!   This French Connection beau dress is loud and proud. The digital flower print in a rainbow palette is offset perfectly by the sumptuous silky fabric, meaning you don’t need anything other than a slick of bright lipstick and simple flat sandals to accessorise. French Connection beau fleur print dress, £135, available at French Connection. BUY NOW!   Adding floral accessories to your spring style is a must. Nicholas Kirkwood’s Bizzarre satin ankle strap sandals are a serious statement, but we love their overly feminine charm and cool abstract print. Pair with a white shift dress and nude accessories for balance. Nicholas Kirkwood Bizzarre satin ankle strap sandals, £505, available at Browns. BUY NOW!   Looking for a subtler way to […]

Read More

What to wear to a summer wedding: country

If you’re eschewing traditional wedding ceremonies this summer in favour of kicking back in the country, you’ll need something far sleeker than your Barbour and wellies. Country weddings are a chance to mix chicness with eccentricity – you’ll need something to stand out against the bright blooms and rolling hills – but finding the balance can be tough if you’re not in the know. Don’t worry, girls, we’ve got your back. We’ve waded through water and swished through grass – ok, so perhaps we just scoured online – to find you the perfect outfit for a country wedding, and if we do say so ourselves, we’ve done a pretty good job. See below for our top picks that’ll have you looking cool in the country this summer…   Country weddings call for florals, and we love Jaeger’s peony print dress. Simple in shape but statement in style, its sleeveless silk design is super chic, but the dramatic digital print adds a vibrant, directional twist. Jaeger Peony print dress, £360, available at Jaeger. BUY NOW!   With such a striking dress, you’ll need to choose your accessories carefully. A pair of classic white sandals with a wooden heel will complement your frock and feel fresh for spring – we love Mulberry’s Edie sandal with perforated leather and copper buckles for a contemporary twist. Mulberry petticoat white Edie sandal, £357, available at my-wardrobe.com. BUY NOW!   Opt for a fascinator over a hat for a country wedding to avoid looking overdone. Nigel Rayment’s feather burst headpiece packs a punch, but it’s undersized style can afford the colour – plus, it picks out the colour in the dress perfectly. Nigel Rayment feather burst fascinator, £99.95, available at Harrods. BUY NOW!   If a clutch feels a bit formal for the country, try a […]

Read More

Lunchtime buy: Jil Sander Floral T-Shirt

When the weather gets dull and grey – don’t be fooled by the sun, it won’t stick around – and you’re left with little inspiration for outfits, don’t be tempted to revert back-to-black. Instead, embrace the bright spring colours and hope for sunshine. Florals are one of our all-time favourites for spring, and this Jil Sander T-shirt screams to be worn this season with its large and loud multicoloured floral print. The contrasting colours of this tee remind us of raving heydays – neon legwarmers, anyone? – which is reason enough to put a spring in your step, but its design is pretty special, too. The short sleeves make it perfect for the warm weather, but hey, even if the sun refuses to break free we’ll still be wearing ours with a denim jacket to channel that summery feeling. Be bold and grab this tee to walk on sunshine, even when it’s hiding. Jil Sander flower print T-shirt, £235, available at mytheresa. BUY NOW!

Read More

Deal of the day: French Connection Libby lace top

The catwalk was awash with ladylike trends for spring, one of the best being luxe-looking lace. As seen at Christopher Kane and Erdem, lace can be both super-feminine when paired with florals or pastels, or can check all your cool boxes when with styled with neon brights. No longer the staple of bridal parties, lace is right for all occasions this summer, and French Connection has got the trend spot on with their Sixties-inspired Libby lace top, available in cream and navy. For super sweet chic, pair with slim trousers and chunky heels and minimal make up for a modern take on the timeless material. Our favourite is the beautiful soft cream version, but we love the navy when glammed up for evening or toughened with sharp accessories. However you wear it this summer, one thing is for sure – everyone loves lace. French Connection Libby lace top, £70, available at French Connection. BUY NOW!

Read More